Stay cool and healthy by making these quick and easy snacks

Wild Berry Smoothie:

After a grueling workout or simply when you are in need of some extra protein, try this wild berry protein smoothie to help your body bounce back.

Ingredients:

-15 blueberries

-4 strawberries

-8 raspberries

-2 cups of nonfat milk

-2 scoops of protein powder

-Ice

   Add as much ice that fits your preferred consistency. Blend on a high speed and enjoy a  refreshing smoothie after an exhausting workout. The fruit and the protein will work together to replenish your aching muscles. Spice things up with your favorite protein powder flavor anywhere from chocolate to vanilla. Freeze the fruit for a more frosty texture. To create a creamier and more flavorful smoothie, replace the ice with frozen fruit. This way, if your smoothie  melts  in the summer sun, then it will not become watered down.

Berry & Mint Ice Pops:

For a refreshing summer snack (that is not ice cream!), try making your own berry and mint ice pops to cool down in the summer heat.

Ingredients:

-1 cup of raspberries

-1 cup of blackberries

-1 cup of sliced strawberries

-1/3 cup of sugar

-1/3 cup of water

-2 tbsp of lemon juice

-2 tbsp of finely minced mint

   Start by combining the berries , lemon juice, and mint in a bowl. Mash the berries and let the mixture sit for half an hour to macerate. Combine the sugar and the water in a separate small saucepan and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Let the sugar cool and combine it with the berry mixture in a measuring cup. Pour your new mixture into three ounce popsicle molds to make eight popsicles. Let the molds freeze for six hours and you have fun, fresh summer ice pops.

Roasted Squash:

For a savory option, try a new vegetable this summer! Whether you like your squash in the form of spaghetti or roasted, like in this recipe, squash is a summer staple never disappoints. 

Ingredients:

-1 medium pattypan squash (do not peel)

-Olive oil

-Salt and Pepper

-Other spices or ingredients of your choice

   First, slice off the stems of the squash and lay them flat. Cut  the squash into one-quarter to one-half inch thick, round slices. Coat both sides with a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add spices from garlic power to lemon thyme, rosemary, or oregano for extra flavor. Cook the squash rounds flat on the grill on medium heat. Once one side browns, flip and continue cooking until squash is tender. One squash serves two people as a side.

Fresh Green Smoothie:

Swap out that sugary Starbucks iced green tea for a cleaner green drink this summer: try blending your own trendy green smoothie.

Ingredients:

-1 peach

-1 cup of strawberries

-1 cup of pineapple

-1 cup of almond milk

-2 cups of spinach

-Optional: 1 tbsp of chia seeds or your other favorite add-ins

   Combine your ingredients and blend on high speed to enjoy a green smoothie that will leave you feeling cool and refreshed on a hot summer day. Depending on how thick you like your smoothie, you can add more or less of your favorite yogurt to match the consistency you like. Your smoothie is complete here, but if you want to bring it to the next level, try adding almond flour, frozen kale, avocado, matcha powder, mint, or coconut water. Bring your smoothie out by the pool with your favorite book and enjoy.